Developer of Stone Ridge Meadows in Allen Township warned of permit violations, penalties

The developer of a residential subdivision in Allen Township faces penalties from county and state agencies due to his failure to comply with permit requirements.A site inspection last week at Stone Ridge Meadows by representatives of the Northampton County Conservation District revealed developer Tim Livingood has violated state Department of Environmental Protection regulations.A report forwarded by the district to Livingood and the township dated May 24 indicates earthmoving at the site is in violation of the Clean Streams Law of Pennsylvania and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.“If future inspections reveal that required corrective actions have not been made and additional violations have occurred, the District may initiate enforcement action,” wrote Kristina Heaney, a conservation specialist who conducted the inspection.Civil penalties are up to $10,000 per day, up to $10,000 in summary criminal penalties, and up to $25,000 in misdemeanor criminal penalties per violation.Livingood was not present Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.He has drawn the ire of residents of the community of roughly 100 twin homes, who complained about flooding in their yards and basements at the supervisors meeting Tuesday.Several had also spoken out at the meeting May 14.Amparo Morris, of Graystone Circle, said there is still standing water in the stormwater detention basin behind her home, just as there had been when she complained at the supervisors prior meeting.It’s up to the conservation district and not the township to provide enforcement, Chairman Larry Oberly said.The township is holding security that will not be released to Livingood until he fixes the problems, which include finishing roads within the development before they can be turned over to the township.“We have no plans of releasing any money until this is straightened out,” Supervisor Dale Hassler said.The district, which is authorized to investigate complaints on behalf of the DEP, found that the developer had failed to meet several permit requirements, including a post-construction stormwater management plan, stabilization of the earth disturbance site, and best management practices.Site conditions also show the potential to pollute nearby waterways, the report states. Resident Diane Larlir said many of the homeowners in the community have children that are being bitten by mosquitoes, and are experiencing water and mud in their basements.She said they’ll continue to bring their concerns to the township.“We’re not going away,” she said.Kevin Duffy is a freelance writer for The Morning Call.
Source: Morningcall